Recent advances in precise synthesis, functional modification and multidisease theranostic applications of layered double hydroxide nanomaterials

Abstract

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are a class of inorganic materials characterized by unique layered structures and tunable chemical compositions, demonstrating considerable application potential in the biomedical field. Through various synthesis strategies, their morphology, size, and interlayer chemical environment can be precisely controlled, thereby enabling the efficient loading and responsive release of drugs or genes, reducing systemic toxicity, and enhancing local therapeutic effects. However, LDHs still face key challenges in clinical translation, including long-term biosafety, degradation behavior in vivo, and surface functionalization strategies. This article provides a systematic review of the synthesis methods, classification, and surface functionalization strategies for LDHs, and outlines their biomedical applications — ranging from drug delivery and bioimaging to biosensing and therapy — with a particular emphasis on their therapeutic effects in representative diseases such as cancer, bone disorders, and eye diseases. Furthermore, the article discusses the key challenges currently facing this material and its future development directions, aiming to provide a comprehensive reference for further research and development of LDHs in the biomedical field.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

layered double hydroxide / preparation method / functional modification / biomedical field / clinical translation

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